Laura Staman came to Sweet Briar in 1994 from the Washington, DC area where she worked for Inner Quest Inc, a professional outdoor adventure company. She received a B.F.A from Virginia Commonwealth University, which has one of the top outdoor adventure leadership programs in the country.

Laura has certifications in:

Wilderness First Responder Training
American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Instructor

She also has formal training in:

Vertical Rescue
Cave Rescue
Whitewater Rescue
Hazards Assessment
Trip Planning and Budgeting
Group Dynamics and Facilitation
Group Supervision
Indepth Map and Compass Techniques
Facilitation Training

She is also trained to lead trips in:

Rock Climbing
Backpacking
Kayaking
Canoeing
Caving
Hiking
Whitewater Rafting

Laura is committed to a program philosophy of student involvement and leadership, and has developed Sweet Briar's Student Instructor Program. The SWEBOP instructors are trained in leadership and outdoor adventure skills in order to guide outdoor adventure trips and teambuilding programs for the community of Sweet Briar College.

SWEBOP Instructors:

Amanda Baker `09
Hometown: Chesterfield, Va
Major(s): Engineering Science and Environmental Science
Best thing about SWEBOP: I get paid to help introduce people into activities that I love to do.

Keri Falk `11
Hometown: Houston, TX
Major(s): Environmental Science
Best Thing About SWEBOP: SWEBOP is great because you get to go on awesome trips that are affordable and you meet people that have some of the same interest as you!

Jennie Frazier `09
Hometown: Lawrenceburg, TN
Major(s): International Affairs
Best thing about SWEBOP: SWEBOP offers students a chance to get out and do things that they would normally never get to experience.

Sarah Jones `11
Hometown: Dale City, Virginia
Major(s): International Affairs
Best Thing About SWEBOP: Getting the opportunity to learn Wilderness Medicine, and being able to share activities I love with other students.

Sara Rothamel '09
Hometown: Philly suburbs
Major(s): Biology and Environmental Science
Best Thing About SWEBOP: Swebop is a great opportunity to not just go on outdoor trips but also learn the skills you need to go on your own.

Jordanne Ryan `12
Hometown: Neptune Beach, FL
Major(s): English and Creative Writing
Best thing about SWEBOP: SWEBOP proves to yourself that you can do anything, all you have to do is simply, DO IT and trust that you can.

Deborah Slutz `11
Hometown: Milford, MA
Major(s): Sociology
The best thing about SWEBOP: is the opportunity to explore the outdoors both on campus and off, from SBC's trails to Virginia's caves. Through SWEBOP I have met fascinating, knowledgeable people who thoroughly enjoy what they're doing, and love teaching it to others. Moreover, going on a hiking, caving, or hang gliding trip makes for a great weekend, and a nice break from homework.

Regina Taurino `10
Hometown: Mt Laurel, New Jersey
Major(s): Engineering Science
Best thing about SWEBOP: I like being a part of SWEBOP because I get to show people awesome ways to have fun outdoors without negatively impacting nature.

Rachael Vaughan `10
Hometown: Good ole’ Connecticut
Major(s): Psychology
Best Thing About SWEBOP: I simply love being able to experience the outdoors and that I am able to share it with fellow students!!

Jenna Wayslenko `10
Hometown: Lansdale, PA
Major(s): Chemistry
Best thing about SWEBOP: I love being a part of SWEBOP because not only do I get to be active in the outdoors but I get paid for it too!!

Jennifer Wigle `10
Hometown: Citizen of the World
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Best thing about SWEBOP:I love spending time outdoors and teaching others to respect and appreciate nature and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

T O P ^

Related Links

Outdoor Programs Staff

SWEBOP Instructors: